Yes it is possible for multiple computers to share a common modem assuming that modem is either attached to or is part of a router that is capable of handling the necessary connection chores for your network. However, all of your computers would be sharing the same bandwidth you are seeing from your ISP so your download speeds could be further reduced.
Your download speed experience pretty well maps the normal internet usage patterns, so the decrease would appear to be caused by too little bandwidth and too many users. Sort of like rush hour on the
freeway. As to your four options
- If you elect the 512Kb level that would be the maximum you would get so you would never see the 1.5Mb speeds you are getting in the AM. If you mostly use the internet in the evening that might be a reasonable option.
- The Ka band offers more bandwidth to start with and as it is newer it would have fewer users so it is likely you would see better results there but $400 seems a steep price to pay for a should or maybe. That would have to be your call.
- The installers should be in a position to know as they are likely to be the first to get the complaints. Have you asked them about the Ka band satellite?
- 3G is the same as that used on the iPhone and you are looking at speeds in the <500kbps range depending on your distance from the nearest tower and traffic load. My daughter had that for a while and was getting around 56Kbps about the same or a little less than a dialup.
